Manchester United weigh up bid for Chelsea defender to solve defensive crisis

Chelsea are willing to sell Chalobah to meet profit and sustainability rules, and the 24-year-old fits United’s shift towards younger players with potential to grow their value

Miguel Delaney
Chief Football Writer
Thursday 30 May 2024 12:50 BST
Comments
Trevoh Chalobah: The next Champions League superstar

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester United are considering a move for Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah as they assess centre-half options for next season.

Injuries in the position posed one of the greatest problems for Erik ten Hag over the last year, and the departure of Raphael Varane has now left the squad looking even thinner in central defence.

Chelsea are willing to do business on at least one of Chalobah or Connor Gallagher, in order to meet profit and sustainability rules by 30 June. They would want a transfer fee of around £25m.

United are weighing up a bid, although any move would come amid a planned overhaul of the entire recruitment approach in the summer. The new Ineos-run football leadership believe player trading is one of the most obvious areas that needs to be drastically improved at Old Trafford, after a series of poor decisions have created a bloated squad on high wages.

United now want to follow the approach of high-performing clubs and mostly sign players who are under the age of 25, due to the potential for growth, while also fitting into modern pressing demands. Chalobah would fit that mould, although he turns 25 in July.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in